Definition

Having a tendency to lower someone's opinion or value of something; often critical or negative in nature.

Example

His detractive comments about the project made everyone feel discouraged.

Conversation

I think his comments were really detractive to the conversation.

Yeah, they didn’t help at all and only confused everyone.

Exactly! It’s frustrating when people are so detractive instead of contributing positively.

For sure, we need more constructive feedback in discussions.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Detractive → It is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "tract" (from Latin "tractus", meaning to pull or draw). The word "detractive" means pulling away or down from something, often in the context of diminishing value or worth.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pulling down' ('de-') the value or worth of something ('tract') — that's what detractive means.

Visually Confused Words